We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cynthia Booth a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Cynthia, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
A few years ago, I read Now, Discover Your Strengths by Donald O. Clifton and Marcus Buckingham, and it had a profound impact on me. One of my top strengths was learning — and that resonated deeply. I’ve always had a love for discovering new things, and just as importantly, for helping others learn and grow as well.
The book emphasizes the importance of focusing on what you’re naturally good at and passionate about, rather than trying to improve areas where you lack interest or ability. That idea truly clicked for me. I realized how much I love travel — not just the act of going somewhere new, but the opportunity it gives to learn, to grow, and to share those experiences with others.
That realization brought me back to 1985, when my African History Studies teacher, Barbara Glover, took a group of us students on a life-changing trip to Senegal and The Gambia. The purpose was to bring our classroom learning to life — and it absolutely did. But what stood out most was how different the reality was from what I’d seen on television or in textbooks. The beauty of the people, the richness of the culture, and the depth of the traditions were unlike anything I’d been led to expect. It was powerful.
That experience taught me something I carry with me to this day: you can’t truly understand a place until you experience it firsthand. When I combined that realization with my strength in learning and my passion for helping others, I discovered my purpose — becoming a travel advisor who opens the world up to others, not through a screen, but through real, life-changing experiences.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Today, I’m the proud founder of B.Luxe Travel, a boutique travel agency where I curate unforgettable, culturally immersive experiences for individuals, families, and groups. My mission is simple: to help people see the world in a way that opens their hearts, broadens their perspectives, and connects them more deeply to themselves and others.
What’s most exciting and special about what I do is that it’s more than just planning trips — it’s about creating meaningful journeys. Whether I’m organizing a girls’ getaway to Paris, a couples’ retreat in the Caribbean, or a heritage tour to Ghana, I put intention behind every detail. I want my clients to return home not just with souvenirs, but with stories, with new understanding, and often with a sense of transformation.
Right now, I’m preparing to take a group to Africa in late 2025 for a powerful cultural and historical journey through Ghana. This trip reflects everything I believe about the power of travel — that it can educate, inspire, and heal. One of my long-term goals is to eventually lead a group of young people to Africa, offering them the kind of eye-opening, life-changing experience that first sparked my own love for travel and cultural connection.
As B.Luxe Travel continues to grow, I’m expanding our offerings to include more heritage-based and multi-generational experiences. One of our most exciting upcoming adventures is the “Roots and Realities” Heritage Tour of Ghana, which blends cultural immersion, community connection, and historical exploration — a true reflection of what B.Luxe Travel is all about.
If I could leave people with one thing about my work, it’s this: Travel isn’t just about where you go — it’s about how deeply it moves you. At B.Luxe Travel, we craft journeys that are luxurious in experience, rich in meaning, and full of heart.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities have been especially impactful in my journey: curiosity, resilience, and connection.
Curiosity has always driven me — it’s the reason I fell in love with learning, with travel, and with helping others experience the world. Being curious opened doors I didn’t even know existed and continues to guide how I approach both life and business. I always want to know more, explore more, and understand more — and that energy keeps things fresh and exciting.
Resilience was equally important. Building something meaningful — whether it’s a business, a career, or a life you love — doesn’t happen without setbacks. There were moments of doubt, transitions that felt overwhelming, and times when I questioned whether I was on the right path. But I stayed the course because I believed in my vision. That resilience helped me keep going, even when the road was uncertain.
And finally, connection. From the relationships I’ve built with clients, mentors, and peers to the way I connect people to cultures and communities through travel — it’s all rooted in the power of human connection. I believe that who you surround yourself with and how you build bridges with others can make all the difference in your success.
For those just starting their journey, my advice would be:
Stay curious. Explore different paths, ask questions, and never stop learning. Your passion often reveals itself through exploration.
Be patient and persistent. Growth takes time. Don’t rush the process — trust it.
Build genuine relationships. Your network isn’t just about business; it’s about people who believe in you, support you, and help you grow.
Most importantly, stay true to yourself. Your unique perspective, experiences, and strengths are what will set you apart. Lean into them — that’s where your magic lives.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents taught me was to value life — not just my own, but the lives of those around me. They instilled in me a deep respect for people, regardless of their background, appearance, or circumstances. From an early age, I was taught that everyone has a story, and there is always something you can learn from others if you take the time to listen.
My father has a saying that’s always stayed with me: “Once you understand who a person is, you’ll understand why they do the things they do.” That wisdom shaped how I see the world. He reminded me that a homeless man is no less than a wealthy man — they’ve simply had different life experiences that led them to where they are.
That perspective has grounded me in empathy, curiosity, and humility — qualities that influence the way I live, lead, and connect with people every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bluxetravel.agency
- Instagram: @bluxetravelagency
- Facebook: @bluxetravelagency
- Linkedin: @bluxetravelagency
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